Calculating sample size for a case-control study.ppt

Calculating sample size for a case-control study Statistical Power Statistical power is the probability of finding an effect if it’s real. Factors Affecting Power 1. Size of the effect 2. Standard deviation of the characteristic 3. Bigger sample size 4. Significance level desired Sample size calculations Based on these elements, you can write a formal mathematical equation that relates power, sample size, effect size, standard deviation, and significance level. Calculating sample size for a case-control study: binary exposure Use difference in proportions formula… formula for difference in proportions Example How many cases and controls do you need assuming… 80% power You want to detect an odds ratio of 2.0 or greater An equal number of cases and controls (r=1) The proportion exposed in the control group is 20% Example, continued… For 80% power, Z?=.84 For 0.05 significance level, Z?=1.96 r=1 (equal number of cases and controls) The proportion exposed in the control group is 20% To get proportion of cases exposed: Example, continued… Calculating sample size for a case-control study: continuous exposure Use difference in means formula… formula for difference in means Example How many cases and controls do you need assuming… 80% power The standard deviation of the characteristic you are comparing is 10.0 You want to detect a difference in your characteristic of 5.0 (one half standard deviation) An equal number of cases and controls (r=1) Example, continued… For 80% power, Z?=.84 For 0.05 significance level, Z?=1.96 r=1 (equal number of cases and controls) ?=10.0 Difference = 5.0 Example, continued… * * Sample size in the case group Represents the desired power (typically .84 for 80% power). Represents the desired level of statistical significance (typically 1.96). A measure of variability (similar to standard deviation) Effect Size (the difference in proportions) r=ratio of controls to cases Average proportion exposed = (.33+.20)/2=.265 Therefore, n=362 (181